Spinal veins

Spinal Veins

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Diagram of the spinal veins and their connections.

The spinal veins are a network of veins that drain the spinal cord and the surrounding structures. They are part of the venous system of the central nervous system and play a crucial role in maintaining the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and intracranial pressure.

Anatomy

The spinal veins are divided into two main groups: the internal and external venous plexuses.

Internal Venous Plexus

The internal venous plexus is located within the vertebral canal and consists of anterior and posterior components:

• Anterior Internal Venous Plexus: This plexus is situated in front of the spinal cord and receives blood from the anterior spinal veins.
• Posterior Internal Venous Plexus: Located behind the spinal cord, it drains the posterior spinal veins.

These plexuses are interconnected and communicate with the dural venous sinuses in the cranial cavity.

External Venous Plexus

The external venous plexus surrounds the vertebrae and is divided into anterior and posterior parts:

• Anterior External Venous Plexus: Found on the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies, it drains into the vertebral veins.
• Posterior External Venous Plexus: Located on the posterior aspect of the vertebrae, it connects with the intercostal veins and lumbar veins.

Function

The spinal veins are responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the spinal cord and the vertebral column. They also help in regulating the cerebrospinal fluid pressure by providing a pathway for the venous blood to exit the central nervous system.

Clinical Significance

The spinal veins can be involved in various pathological conditions such as:

• Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal veins can lead to hematoma formation and increased intracranial pressure.
• Spinal arteriovenous malformation: Abnormal connections between the spinal arteries and veins can cause neurological deficits.

Related Pages

• Spinal cord
• Venous system
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Vertebral column